Systems and methods for tracking mobile advertising displays

ABSTRACT

Methods for tracking a mobile advertising display configured to mount to a bicycle having one or more identifying indicia associated with the display are described. The methods include the steps of coupling a mounting mechanism and a display to the bicycle, operating the bicycle in a location where the display can be viewed by pedestrian, bicycle, and/or motorized traffic, and collecting indicia data from consumers. In some examples, the methods further include analyzing effectiveness of advertising parameters based on the indicia data collected from consumers and adjusting advertisement based on the analysis. In other examples, the methods include paying a cyclist based on the collected indicia data.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/898,157, filed on May 20, 2013, which is herebyincorporated by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to mobile advertising displays.In particular, mobile advertising displays configured to mount to abicycle are described.

Known mobile advertising display systems and methods are not entirelysatisfactory for the range of applications in which they are employed.For example, existing mobile advertising displays are unnecessarilylarge and may be designed to mount to a motor vehicle. Existing mobileadvertising displays are often configured to mount to a large surfacearea, for example, the side of a delivery truck. However, deliverytrucks and even smaller motor vehicles are restricted to limited areas,such as highways, streets, and parking garages.

In addition, conventional mobile advertising displays configured tomount to a bicycle require a separate trailer to be hitched to, andtowed behind, the bicycle. Existing advertising displays configured tomount to a bicycle are bulky and inconvenient; existing displays createan un-aerodynamic profile.

The dimension and weight of conventional advertising displays furtherlimit areas that a bicycle can access. The riders of bikes bearingadvertising displays are forced to alter riding habits and routes toaccommodate the inconvenient bulky trailer. Inconvenient conventionaldisplays can lead to increased commute time, rider fatigue, and anincreased likelihood of accidents due to the added weight and girth ofthe advertising display.

Further, existing mobile advertising displays only reach a limitedaudience. Existing displays may only be displayed in the limited areasthat can be accessed by large motor vehicles, or bulky, inconvenienttowed trailers. Pedestrian and bike traffic largely ignores motorvehicle advertising. Additionally, even when a bulky bike trailer isused, the intended audience is distracted by the cumbersome trailer andthe intended message of the advertising is lost. Indeed, bike trailersare often a source of consternation, and members of the advertisingdisplays' target audience may be less likely to consume a product orservice displayed on the advertising displays after a particularlyfrustrating encounter with conventional advertising displays.

Moreover, existing advertising displays lack identifying indicia foradvertising displayed on a specific route or bike. Potential advertiserswho may desire to reach a particular audience or targeted set ofcommuters have limited methods of determining the particular bicycle onwhich they desire to display advertising. Conventional advertisingdisplays lack an efficient identifying system, and valuable logisticalinformation cannot be compiled and extrapolated easily.

Existing advertising displays additionally lack identifying indicia fora particular side of a vehicle that may be particularly desirable to anadvertiser. Conventional mobile advertising displays typicallyinefficiently advertise an identical message on each advertisingsurface. Lack of identifying indicia specific to each advertisingsurface on conventional advertising displays further limits theeffectiveness of existing advertising displays.

Thus, there exists a need for mobile advertising display systems andmethods that improve upon and advance the design of known mobileadvertising display systems and methods. Examples of new and usefulmobile advertising display systems and methods relevant to the needsexisting in the field are discussed below.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to methods for tracking a mobileadvertising display configured to mount to a bicycle having one or moreidentifying indicia associated with the display. The methods include thesteps of coupling a mounting mechanism and a display to the bicycle,operating the bicycle in a location where the display can be viewed byone or more of pedestrian, bicycle, and motorized traffic, andcollecting indicia data from consumers. In some examples, the methodsfurther include analyzing effectiveness of one or more advertisingparameters based on the indicia data and adjusting advertisement basedon analysis of the one or more advertising parameters. In some otherexamples, the methods include paying a cyclist based on the collectedindicia data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a first example of a mobileadvertising display configured to mount to a bicycle.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mobile advertising display shown inFIG. 1, depicting the mobile advertising display mounted on the bicycleframe without a wheel.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the mobile advertising display shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a first example of a mounting mechanism ofthe mobile advertising display shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a close-up view of the first example of a mounting mechanismof the mobile advertising display shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a second example of a mobileadvertising display configured to mount to a bicycle includingbilaterally mounted advertising displays.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the mobile advertising displayshown in FIG. 6, depicting the angle that the advertising displays aresupported relative to the bicycle wheel.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the mobile advertising display shown inFIG. 6, depicting the mobile advertising display mounted on the bicycleframe without a wheel.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the mobile advertising display shown inFIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a second example of a mounting mechanismof the mobile advertising display shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 11 is a close-up view of the second example of a mounting mechanismof the mobile advertising display shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of a third example of a mobileadvertising display configured to mount to a bicycle includingbilaterally mounted advertising displays with four braces.

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the mobile advertising displaydepicted in FIG. 12, depicting the angle that the advertising displaysare supported relative to the bicycle wheel and showing the position ofthe stabilizer.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a first example method for using a mobileadvertising display mounted to a bicycle.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart of a second example method for using a mobileadvertising display mounted to a bicycle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed mobile advertising displays configured to mount to abicycle and methods of tracking mobile advertising displays will becomebetter understood through review of the following detailed descriptionin conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figuresprovide merely examples of the various inventions described herein.Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples maybe varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of theinventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated fordifferent applications and design considerations; however, for the sakeof brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individuallydescribed in the following detailed description.

Throughout the following detailed description, examples of variousmobile advertising displays configured to mount to a bicycle and methodsof tracking mobile advertising displays are provided. Related featuresin the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in differentexamples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not beredundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of relatedfeature names will cue the reader that the feature with a relatedfeature name may be similar to the related feature in an exampleexplained previously. Features specific to a given example will bedescribed in that particular example. The reader should understand thata given feature need not be the same or similar to the specificportrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example.

With reference to FIGS. 1-5, a first example of a mobile advertisingdisplay configured to mount to a bicycle, mobile advertising display100, will now be described. Mobile advertising display 100 includes amounting mechanism 110, a brace 130, and a display 150. Mobileadvertising display 100 is configured to mount to a bicycle 180, whichincludes a frame 182 and a wheel 184. Mobile advertising display 100 isdepicted as unilaterally mounted to frame 182, however, it isadditionally contemplated that the mobile advertising display may bebilaterally mounted to frame 182 to display advertising on both sides ofwheel 184 as discussed in further examples below.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 3, mounting mechanism 110 includes aretaining member 111, a coupling member 112, and a protecting member113. Mounting mechanism 110 serves to couple mobile advertising display100 to bike 180.

As shown most clearly in FIGS. 3-5, retaining member 111 is configuredto retain mounting mechanism 110 proximate frame 182. Retaining member111 includes a u-shaped bracket 114 and a planar tab 115 coupled tou-shaped bracket 114. Planar tab 115 is configured to receive a threadedshaft coupling member 116. Threaded shaft coupling member 116 iscomplimentarily configured with coupling member 112 and configured toselectively couple mounting mechanism 110 to brace 130.

Coupling member 112 is configured to selectively couple mountingmechanism 110 to brace 130. In one example, as shown in FIG. 2, couplingmember 112 is configured as a threaded bore. Acceptable coupling membersmay also include, but are not limited to, wing nuts, lock nuts, clips,clamps, and pins. Further, coupling members may be comprised of anysuitable material including, but not limited to, wood, plastic, metal,carbon fiber, composites, and combinations thereof.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 2, protecting member 113 is disposedproximate frame 182 between mounting mechanism 110 and frame 182.Protecting member 113 is complimentarily configured with frame 182 toreceive frame 182. Additionally, protecting member 113 is configured torestrict or prevent retaining member 111 from damaging frame 182.

In one example, protecting member 113 is comprised of rubber andconfigured in a sleeve configuration. Additional protecting members maybe comprised of any suitable material capable of preventing damage to abike frame including, but not limited to wood, plastic, metal, carbonfiber, composites, and combinations thereof. Further, protecting membersmay be configured in any suitable configuration capable of preventingdamage to a bike frame including, but not limited to, wraps, sheets, andpressure-relieving disks.

In the example depicted in FIG. 2, protecting member 113 is independentof, and wholly separated from, retaining member 111. Alternatively,protecting members may also be fixedly integrated with or removablyintegrated with retaining members. Additionally or alternatively,protecting members may be fixedly integrated with or removablyintegrated with bike frames.

As shown in FIG. 3, a single mounting mechanism 110 may selectivelycouple to brace 130, or multiple mounting mechanisms 110 may selectivelycouple to the same brace 130. In one example multiple mountingmechanisms retain multiple braces vertically spaced from each other.Mounting mechanisms may also retain braces at lesser or greater verticalspaces according to bracing needs.

In one example, brace 130 is comprised of polycarbonate material.Polycarbonate is particularly effective as a brace material because itis readily deformable and resilient. Additionally or alternatively,braces may be comprised of any readily deformable and resilient materialincluding, but not limited to, wood, plastic, plexiglass, fiberglass,metal, carbon fiber, composites, and combinations thereof.

As depicted in FIG. 2, display 150 is selectively coupled to braces 130by retaining members 160. In one example, retaining members 160 arecomprised of a threaded shaft and wing nut. Additionally oralternatively, retaining members may include, but are not limited to,threaded shaft and lock nut, clips, clamps, and pins. Retaining membersmay additionally include safety elements to enhance visibility of mobileadvertising displays, including, but not limited to, reflectors,reflective tape, and flashing illuminated elements.

Also shown in FIG. 2, display 150 is selectively coupled to braces 130.Displays may also be fixedly secured to braces. Displays may be fixedlysecured to braces by any now known or later developed securing meansincluding, but not limited to, taping, gluing, fusing, welding, casting,and molding. Additionally or alternatively, displays may be selectivelycoupled to braces to allow the displays to rotate or self-level as theangle of the braces changes relative to the ground.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, display 150 is comprised of corrugatedplastic. Additionally or alternatively, displays may be comprised of anyreadily deformable resilient material including, but not limited to,wood, plastic, plexiglass, fiberglass, metal, carbon fiber, composites,and combinations thereof. Displays may additionally include safetyelements to enhance visibility of mobile advertising displays,including, but not limited to, reflectors, reflective tape, and flashingilluminated elements.

Additionally, display 150 is substantially rectangular in shape anddisplays advertising media. Advertising media includes any displayablemessage intended to be interpreted by an audience observing display 150.Moreover, advertising media may include audio messages and audio-visualmessages depicted by visual, audio, physical or electronic means.Displays may be comprised of any shape or form that facilitates orallows freely pedaling and maneuvering a bicycle, including, but notlimited to, circles, squares, triangles, and trapezoids.

As depicted in FIG. 2, mobile advertising display 100 further includesidentifier 140 selectively mounted to brace 130. Identifier 140 includesidentifying information 190, and identifier 140 is selectively mountedto brace 130 using retaining members 160. Moreover, identifier 140includes backing plate 175, which bolsters or improves the robustness ofidentifier 140. In one example, backing plate 175 is comprised of 0.875inch×6.5 inch, 16-gauge steel. However, components of any suitabledimensions may be used. In further examples backing plates may becomprise of any rigid material including, but not limited to, wood,plastic, plexiglass, fiberglass, metal, carbon fiber, composites, andcombinations thereof.

Turning attention to FIGS. 6-11, a second example of a mobileadvertising display, mobile advertising display 200, will now bedescribed. Mobile advertising display 200 includes many similar oridentical features to mobile advertising display 100. Thus, for the sakeof brevity, each feature of mobile advertising display 200 will not beredundantly explained. Rather, key distinctions between mobileadvertising display 200 and mobile advertising display 100 will bedescribed in detail and the reader should reference the discussion abovefor features substantially similar between the two mobile advertisingdisplays.

As can be seen in FIG. 6, mobile advertising display 200 includes afirst mounting mechanism 210 configured to mount to a frame 282 of abicycle 280 proximate a first side 221 of a wheel 284. Mobileadvertising display 200 further includes a second mounting mechanism 220configured to mount to frame 282 of bicycle 280 proximate a second side223 of wheel 284 opposite first side 221. Additionally, mobileadvertising display 200 includes first brace 230 selectively coupled tofirst mounting mechanism 210, and first display 250 selectively retainedon first brace 230.

Mobile advertising display 200 additionally includes a second brace 235selectively coupled to a second mounting mechanism 220, and a seconddisplay 255 selectively retained on second brace 235. Although mobileadvertising display 200 is depicted as bilaterally mounted to frame 282,mobile advertising display 200 may also be unilaterally mounted to frame282 to display advertising on one side of wheel 284 of bicycle 280.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 7, displays 250 and 255 are substantiallyrectangular in shape and configured to display advertising media.Advertising media includes any displayable message intended to beinterpreted by an audience observing displays 250 and 255. Display 250may display advertising media identical to or different from advertisingmedia displayed on display 255. For example, display 250 may displayadvertising media targeting pedestrian traffic observing side 221 ofwheel 284, while display 255 may display advertising media targetingmotor vehicle traffic observing side 223 of wheel 284.

Mobile advertising display 200 additionally features a first identifier240 selectively mounted to first brace 230, a second identifier 245selectively mounted to second brace 235, and a stabilizer 270.Stabilizer 270 is selectively mounted to first identifier 240 and secondidentifier 245, and is configured to stabilize first brace 230 relativeto second brace 235. Stabilizer 270 is configured to space firstidentifier 240 and second identifier 245 from wheel 284 to enable wheel284 to travel freely between first identifier 240 and second identifier245.

In one example, as shown in FIG. 6, stabilizer 270 is comprised of3/16-inch steel and is configured in a u-shape. Stabilizers may also becomprised of any suitable material including, but not limited to, wood,plastic, metal, carbon fiber, composites, and combinations thereof.Moreover, stabilizers may also be configured in any shape orconfiguration that spaces the identifiers relative to each other,stabilizes the braces, and allows the wheel to travel freely. Suitableconfigurations include, but are not limited to, linear, curved,triangular, and angled.

As shown in FIG. 8, first identifier 240 is selectively mounted to firstbrace 230 with retaining members 260. Further, second identifier 245 isselectively mounted to second brace 230 with retaining members 260.First identifier 240 and second identifier 245 include backing plates275 configured to bolster or improve the robustness of first identifier240 and second identifier 245. In one example, retaining members 260 arecomprised of a threaded shaft and wing nut. Retaining members may alsoinclude, but are not limited to, threaded shafts and lock nuts, clips,clamps, and pins.

First identifier 240 and second identifier 245 are configured to displayidentifying information 290. Identifying information 290 facilitates orallows a particular mobile advertising display 200 to be identified. Inthe example shown in FIG. 6, identifying information 290 is numericaland identical on both first identifier 240 and second identifier 245.Identifying information may also be different on the first identifiercompared to the second identifier. Additionally, identifying informationmay be comprised of any identifying information that facilitates orallows identifying a particular mobile advertising display. Identifyinginformation may be particular to a single bike, or additionally oralternatively, particular to one side of a mobile advertising display.

As depicted in FIGS. 9-11, mobile advertising display 200 includesexamples of a different form of mounting mechanism, mounting mechanisms210 and 220. FIGS. 10 and 11 depict mounting mechanism 210 in detail.Mounting mechanism 220 is identical in form and function to mountingmechanism 210.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, mounting mechanisms 210 and 220 areconfigured to mount directly proximate frame 282. Mounting mechanismsmay further include protecting members disposed proximate the framebetween mounting mechanisms and the frame as discussed above.Additionally or alternatively, mounting mechanisms may be configured tomount directly to or accommodate bike accessories, including, but notlimited to, baskets, bag holders, and fender supports.

Turning attention to FIGS. 12-13, a third example of a mobileadvertising display, mobile advertising display 300, will now bedescribed. Mobile advertising display 300 includes many similar oridentical features to mobile advertising displays 100 and 200. Thus, forthe sake of brevity, each feature of mobile advertising display 300 willnot be redundantly explained. Rather, key distinctions between mobileadvertising display 300 and mobile advertising displays 100 and 200 willbe described in detail and the reader should reference the discussionabove for features substantially similar between the three mobileadvertising displays.

As depicted in FIG. 12, mobile advertising display 300 is configured tomount to a frame 382 of a bicycle 380 proximate a wheel 384. Mobileadvertising display 300 includes a first mounting mechanism 310configured to mount to frame 382 of bicycle 380 proximate a first side321 of wheel 384, and a second mounting mechanism 320 configured tomount to frame 382 of bicycle 380 proximate a second side 323 of wheel384 opposite first side 321.

Also depicted in FIG. 12, mobile advertising display 300 additionallyincludes a third mounting mechanism 318 vertically spaced from firstmounting mechanism 310. Third mounting mechanism 318 is configured tomount to frame 382 of bicycle 380 proximate first side 321 of wheel 384.

Mobile advertising display 300 further includes a fourth mountingmechanism 319 vertically spaced from second mounting mechanism 320.Fourth mounting mechanism is configured to mount to the frame 382 ofbicycle 380 proximate second side 323 of wheel 384 opposite first side321.

Moreover, mobile advertising display 300 includes a first brace 330selectively coupled to first mounting mechanism 310, and a third brace332 selectively coupled to third mounting mechanism 318. A first display350 is selectively retained on both first brace 330 and third brace 332.

Additionally, mobile advertising display 300 includes a second brace 335selectively coupled to second mounting mechanism 330, and a fourth brace337 selectively coupled to fourth mounting mechanism 319. A seconddisplay 355 is selectively retained on both second brace 335 and fourthbrace 337.

As shown in FIG. 12, mobile advertising display 300 also includesstabilizer 370 selectively mounted to first brace 330 and second brace335. Stabilizer 370 is configured to stabilize first brace 330 relativeto second brace 335, and space first brace 330 and second brace 335 fromwheel 384 to enable wheel 384 to travel freely between them. In oneexample, stabilizer 370 is comprised of 3/16-inch steel, is configuredin a u-shape, and stabilizes first brace 330 relative to second brace335.

Stabilizers may additionally or alternatively be selectively mounted toone or more braces to stabilize multiple braces relative to each otherand the wheel. Stabilizers may also be comprised of any suitablematerial including, but not limited to, wood, plastic, metal, carbonfiber, composites, and combinations thereof. Moreover, stabilizers mayalso be configured in any shape or configuration that spaces andstabilizes the braces relative to each other and allows the wheel totravel freely between the braces, including, but not limited to, linear,curved, triangular, and angled.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 13, first brace 330, third brace 332,second brace 335, and fourth brace 337 are retained at an angle relativeto wheel 384. In the example shown in FIG. 13 first display 350 andsecond display 355 are retained at an angle of 20 degrees by first brace330, third brace 332, second brace 335, and fourth brace 337 relative towheel 384. An angle of 20 degrees relative to wheel 384 has been foundto be effective to increase or improve the aerodynamic profile of mobileadvertising display 300. Further, an angle of 20 degrees facilitates orallows free movement of a rider's feet and legs as the bike's pedalstravel.

Additionally or alternatively, any angle relative to the wheel whichincreases or improves the aerodynamic profile of the mobile advertisingdisplay may be used. Alternatively, an angle of zero relative to thewheel may also be used; the braces may be retained parallel to thecenter vertical axis of the wheel.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, first brace 330, third brace 332,second brace 335, and fourth brace 337 are comprised of polycarbonatematerial. Polycarbonate is particularly effective as a brace materialbecause it is readily-deformable and resilient. Additionally oralternatively, braces may be comprised of any readily-deformableresilient material, including, but not limited to, wood, plastic,plexiglass, fiberglass, metal, carbon fiber, composites, andcombinations thereof.

Turning attention to FIGS. 14 and 15, a first method and a second methodof using a mobile advertising display mounted to a bicycle, methods 400and 500, respectively, will now be described. Specifically, method 400includes steps for using the mobile advertising display and collectingconsumer data for a display mounted on one side of a bicycle having oneindicium. Alternatively, method 400 can be used for displayingadvertising and collecting consumer data for a display mounted on twosides of a bicycle having one indicium (i.e., the same indicium on bothsides of the bicycle. Method 500 includes steps for using the mobileadvertising display and collecting consumer data for a display mountedon two sides of a bicycle, each side of the bicycle having a distinctindicium on the display (i.e., a first indicium and a second indicium).

As shown in FIG. 14, beginning as steps 402 and 404, a mountingmechanism for a display is coupled to a bicycle and a display having anidentifying indicium (e.g., identifiers 140 and 240, etc.) is coupled tothe mounting mechanism, respectively. Next, at step 406, the bicycle isoperated (i.e., the bicycle is ridden) where the display (i.e.,advertising material) can be viewed by one or more of pedestrian,bicycle, and motor vehicle traffic. During operation of the bicycle, theriding time and/or route can be optionally tracked via GPS at optionalstep 406. It will be appreciated that the bicycle riding time and/orroute can be tracked via any desired system and method known or yet tobe discovered.

At 410, indicia data is collected from consumers. In one example, as aconsumer makes an online purchase, the consumer selects from a list anidentifying indicium that he or she observed on a mobile display thatadvertised the product and/or service that the consumer is purchasing.In another example, as a consumer makes an in-person purchase, theconsumer conveys to the cashier an indicium that he or she observed on amobile display that advertised the product and/or service that theconsumer is purchasing and the cashier records the purchase and theassociated indicium. It will be appreciated that indicia data can becollected from consumers in any desired method that associates apurchase of a product and/or service with a specific mobile displayobserved by the consumer.

The consumer purchase and indicia data can then optionally be used forone or more purposes. In one example, at optional step 412 purchase andindicia data can be analyzed based on one or more advertising parametersto determine effectiveness of advertising. Further, at optional step414, advertisement (i.e., advertisement parameters) can be adjustedbased on the analysis completed in step 412. In this example,advertisement parameters can include one or more of route information,location of display on the bicycle, duration of display advertisement,indemnity of cyclist, time of day of bicycle operation, etc. In anotherexample, at optional step 416, a cyclist can be paid based on the numberof consumers that reported the indicium associated with the display thatis mounted to the cyclist's bicycle.

As shown in FIG. 14, beginning as steps 402 and 404, method 400 includescoupling a mounting mechanism for a display to a bicycle and coupling adisplay having an identifying indicium (e.g., identifiers 140 and 240,etc.) to the mounting mechanism, respectively. Next, at step 406, thebicycle is operated (i.e., the bicycle is ridden) where the display(i.e., advertising material) can be viewed by one or more of pedestrian,bicycle, and motor vehicle traffic. During operation of the bicycle, theriding time and/or route can be optionally tracked via GPS at optionalstep 408. It will be appreciated that the bicycle riding time and/orroute can be tracked via any desired system and method known or yet tobe discovered.

At 410, indicia data is collected from consumers. In one example, as aconsumer makes an online purchase, the consumer selects from a list anidentifying indicium that he or she observed on a mobile display thatadvertised the product and/or service that the consumer is purchasing.In another example, as a consumer makes an in-person purchase, theconsumer conveys to the cashier an indicium that he or she observed on amobile display that advertised the product and/or service that theconsumer is purchasing and the cashier records the purchase and theassociated indicium. It will be appreciated that indicia data can becollected from consumers in any desired method that associates apurchase of a product and/or service with a specific mobile displayobserved by the consumer.

The consumer purchase and indicia data can then optionally be used forone or more purposes. In one example, at optional step 412 purchase andindicia data can be analyzed based on one or more advertising parametersto determine effectiveness of advertising. Further, at optional step414, advertisement (i.e., advertisement parameters) can be adjustedbased on the analysis completed in step 412. In this example,advertisement parameters can include one or more of route information,location of display on the bicycle, duration of display advertisement,indemnity of cyclist, time of day of bicycle operation, etc. In anotherexample, at optional step 416, a cyclist can be paid based on the numberof consumers that reported the indicium associated with the display thatis mounted to the cyclist's bicycle.

As shown in FIG. 15, beginning as steps 502-506, method 500 includescoupling a mounting mechanism for a display to a bicycle, coupling afirst display having a first identifying indicium (e.g., one ofidentifiers 240, etc.) to the mounting mechanism, and coupling a seconddisplay having a second identifying indicium (e.g., one of identifiers240, etc.) to the mounting mechanism, respectively. Next, at step 508,the bicycle is operated (i.e., the bicycle is ridden) where the display(i.e., advertising material) can be viewed by one or more of pedestrian,bicycle, and motor vehicle traffic. During operation of the bicycle, theriding time and/or route can be optionally tracked via GPS at optionalstep 510. It will be appreciated that the bicycle riding time and/orroute can be tracked via any desired system and method known or yet tobe discovered.

At 512, indicia data is collected from consumers. In one example, as aconsumer makes an online purchase, the consumer selects from a list anidentifying indicium that he or she observed on a mobile display thatadvertised the product and/or service that the consumer is purchasing.In another example, as a consumer makes an in-person purchase, theconsumer conveys to the cashier an indicium that he or she observed on amobile display that advertised the product and/or service that theconsumer is purchasing and the cashier records the purchase and theassociated indicium. It will be appreciated that indicia data can becollected from consumers in any desired method that associates apurchase of a product and/or service with a specific mobile displayobserved by the consumer.

The consumer purchase and indicia data can then optionally be used forone or more purposes. In one example, at optional step 514 purchase andindicia data can be analyzed based on one or more advertising parametersto determine effectiveness of advertising. Further, at optional step516, advertisement (i.e., advertisement parameters) can be adjustedbased on the analysis completed in step 514. In this example,advertisement parameters can include one or more of route information,location of display on the bicycle, duration of display advertisement,indemnity of cyclist, time of day of bicycle operation, etc. In anotherexample, at optional step 518, a cyclist can be paid based on the numberof consumers that reported the indicium associated with the display thatis mounted to the cyclist's bicycle.

The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions withindependent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosedin a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustratedabove are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerousvariations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includesall novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of thevarious elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed aboveand inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions.Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “afirst” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claimsshould be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neitherrequiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed tocombinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that arebelieved to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in othercombinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/orproperties may be claimed through amendment of those claims orpresentation of new claims in the present application or in a relatedapplication. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed tothe same invention or a different invention and whether they aredifferent, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims,are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventionsdescribed herein.

1. A method for tracking a mobile advertising display configured tomount to a bicycle having a frame and a wheel, the mobile advertisingdisplay being a mounting mechanism configured to mount to the frame ofthe bicycle proximate the wheel, at least one brace coupled to themounting mechanism, at least one display retained on the at least onebrace, and one or more identifying indicia associated with the at leastone display, the method comprising: coupling the mounting mechanism andthe at least one display to the bicycle; operating the bicycle in alocation where the at least one display can be viewed by one or more ofpedestrian, bicycle, and motorized traffic; and collecting indicia datafrom consumers.
 2. The method for tracking a mobile advertising displayof claim 1, further comprising tracking one or more of a cycling time, acycling route of the bicycle, a cycling duration, and a cyclist identityduring operation of the bicycle.
 3. The method for tracking a mobileadvertising display of claim 2, wherein tracking one or more of cyclingtime and route comprises tracking one or more of the cycling time androute via GPS.
 4. The method for tracking a mobile advertising displayof claim 1, further comprising analyzing effectiveness of one or moreadvertising parameters based on the indicia data from the consumers. 5.The method for tracking a mobile advertising display of claim 4, furthercomprising adjusting advertisement based on analysis of the one or moreadvertising parameters.
 6. The method for tracking a mobile advertisingdisplay of claim 4, wherein the one or more advertising parameterscomprise one or more of route information, a location of the display onthe bicycle, a duration of bicycle operation, a time of day of bicycleoperation, an identification of an individual cyclist.
 7. The method fortracking a mobile advertising display of claim 1, wherein the one ormore identifying indicia are unique to a specific bicycle, and whereinthe indicia data comprises a number of products purchased associatedwith the one or more identifying indicia.
 8. The method for tracking amobile advertising display of claim 7, further comprising paying acyclist of the specific bicycle based on the collected indicia data fromconsumers.
 9. The method for tracking a mobile advertising display ofclaim 1, wherein the indicia data comprises a number of productspurchased associated with the one or more identifying indicia
 10. Themethod for tracking a mobile advertising display of claim 1, wherein theone or more identifying indicia includes one or more of a series ofnumbers, a series of letters, a series of numbers and letters, a barcode, a data matrix, a QR code, a symbol, and a colored tag.
 11. Themobile advertising display of claim 1, wherein the at least one bracecomprises a first brace and a second brace coupled to the mountingsystem, the first brace being disposed on a right side of the bicycleand the second brace being disposed on the left side of the bicycle, andwherein the at least one display comprises a first display coupled tothe first brace and a second display coupled to the second brace, thefirst display having a first identifying indicium and the second displayhaving a second identifying indicium.
 12. The mobile advertising displayof claim 11, further comprising analyzing effectiveness of one or moreadvertising parameters based on the indicia data from the consumers,wherein the first identifying indicium is different from the secondidentifying indicium, and wherein advertising parameters compriseadvertisement on the left side of the bicycle and advertisement on theright side of the bicycle.
 13. A method for tracking a mobileadvertising display configured to mount to a bicycle having a frame anda wheel, the mobile advertising display being a mounting mechanismconfigured to mount to the frame of the bicycle proximate the wheel, atleast one brace coupled to the mounting mechanism, at least one displayretained on the at least one brace, and one or more identifying indiciaassociated with the at least one display, the method comprising:coupling the mounting mechanism and the at least one display to thebicycle; operating the bicycle in a location where the at least onedisplay can be viewed by one or more of pedestrian, bicycle, andmotorized traffic; collecting indicia data from consumers; analyzingeffectiveness of one or more advertising parameters based on the indiciadata from the consumers; and adjusting advertisement based on analysisof the one or more advertising parameters.
 14. The method for tracking amobile advertising display of claim 13, further comprising tracking oneor more of a cycling time, a cycling route of the bicycle, a cyclingduration, and a cyclist identity during operation of the bicycle. 15.The method for tracking a mobile advertising display of claim 13,wherein the one or more advertising parameters comprise one or more ofroute information, a location of the display on the bicycle, a durationof bicycle operation, a time of day of bicycle operation, anidentification of an individual cyclist.
 16. The method for tracking amobile advertising display of claim 13, wherein the one or moreidentifying indicia are unique to a specific bicycle, and wherein theindicia data comprises a number of products purchased associated withthe one or more identifying indicia.
 17. The method for tracking amobile advertising display of claim 13, further comprising paying acyclist of the specific bicycle based on the collected indicia data fromconsumers.
 18. The method for tracking a mobile advertising display ofclaim 13, wherein the one or more identifying indicia includes one ormore of a series of numbers, a series of letters, a series of numbersand letters, a bar code, a data matrix, a QR code, a symbol, and acolored tag.
 19. The mobile advertising display of claim 13, wherein theat least one brace comprises a first brace and a second brace coupled tothe mounting system, the first brace being disposed on a right side ofthe bicycle and the second brace being disposed on the left side of thebicycle, wherein the at least one display comprises a first displaycoupled to the first brace and a second display coupled to the secondbrace, the first display having a first identifying indicium and thesecond display having a second identifying indicium, the firstidentifying indicium being different from the second identifyingindicium, and wherein advertising parameters comprise advertisement onthe left side of the bicycle and advertisement on the right side of thebicycle.
 20. A method for tracking a mobile advertising displayconfigured to mount to a bicycle having a frame and a wheel, the mobileadvertising display being a mounting mechanism configured to mount tothe frame of the bicycle proximate the wheel, at least one brace coupledto the mounting mechanism, at least one display retained on the at leastone brace, and one or more identifying indicia associated with the atleast one display, the method comprising: coupling the mountingmechanism and the at least one display to the bicycle; operating thebicycle in a location where the at least one display can be viewed byone or more of pedestrian, bicycle, and motorized traffic; tracking oneor more of a cycling time, a cycling route of the bicycle, a cyclingduration, and a cyclist identity during operation of the bicycle;collecting indicia data from consumers, the one or more identifyingindicia being unique to a specific bicycle and the indicia datacomprising a number of products purchased associated with the one ormore identifying indicia; analyzing effectiveness of one or moreadvertising parameters based on the indicia data from the consumers, theone or more advertising parameters being one or more of one or more ofroute information, a location of the display on the bicycle, a durationof bicycle operation, a time of day of bicycle operation, anidentification of an individual cyclist; and adjusting advertisementbased on analysis of the one or more advertising parameters.